Abstract: Taking the replacement of air-conditioning compressor during metro vehicle frame overhaul as the cut-in point, from the perspectives including compressor design life, structure principle, test and examination, application failure analysis, failure mode and impact analysis, the rationality of replacing vehicle air-conditioning compressor in overhaul period is discussed. Research results show that the air-conditioning compressors replaced in the period of vehicle overhaul can still meet the service requirements, so the replacement period is more reasonable to be extended to 15 years, which can both ensure the reliability of vehicle operation, and reduce the vehicle full life cycle cost.